Black Soldiers Wronged in POW Case

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Black Soldiers Wronged in POW Case
Associated Press | October 27, 2007


SEATTLE - Black Soldiers court-martialed 63 years ago in the rioting death of an Italian prisoner of war at Fort Lawton were unfairly denied access to their attorneys and investigative records and should have their convictions overturned, the U.S. Army said Friday.

The ruling by the Army's Board of Corrections of Military Records applies to four Soldiers who petitioned military investigators with the help of two congressmen, but could eventually cover two-dozen more Soldiers found guilty of rioting over alleged resentment of Italian prisoners' living conditions on the post.

Samuel Snow, 84, one of the petitioners who served a year in prison, said he was "elated" by the decision.

"It just knocked me off of my feet," Snow said from his home in Leesburg, Fla.

"No, I don't have no resentment over it," he said. "I've just kept myself clean up to this present moment."

The decision could grant the Soldiers honorable discharges, back pay and benefits.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,154934,00.html?wh=wh